Final protective fires may be any distance from the friendly position but is normally within _____ to _____ meters of friendly positions.

Final protective fires are crucial for providing immediate support to friendly forces during a situation where they may be in danger, especially during an engagement or when under attack. The specified range within which final protective fires are typically executed—200 to 400 meters from friendly positions—ensures that the fire will be effective in suppressing enemy forces while minimizing the risk of collateral damage to friendly troops.

This distance is chosen to balance effectiveness and safety. At closer ranges, artillery or air support can provide more concentrated firepower to deter or destroy enemy forces, increasing the chances of a successful defense. However, this proximity also requires careful coordination to safeguard friendly forces from friendly fire.

Understanding the context of final protective fires also highlights why ranges outside this typical bracket, such as 200 to 600 or 400 to 600 meters, may not be as appropriate. Ranges that extend significantly beyond 400 meters could reduce the immediate effectiveness of the fires in terms of response time and precision, which is critical during urgent combat situations. Similarly, a shorter range such as 100 to 400 meters might often result in a situation where the enemy could still engage friendly forces due to the proximity of the artillery impacting near the frontline, potentially putting troops in harm's way.